What Vasco need to qualify for Copa Sul-Americana last 16: state of play | OneFootball

Vasco took over the lead in Group G of the Copa Sudamericana with seven points and has a great chance of qualifying. The Rio club matched Olimpia on points after beating Audax Italiano 2-1 in Chile. The group will be decided, along with the coveted direct spot in the round of 16, in the highly anticipated head-to-head clash on May 20 at Estadio Defensores Del Chaco in Paraguay.

To secure top spot without depending on other results, the squad needs only a simple win against the Paraguayan rival away from home. A draw on the road would keep the situation completely open heading into the sixth and final round of the continental tournament. It is important to note that only the group winner advances directly, while the runner-up faces a dangerous playoff against teams eliminated from the Libertadores.

+ From home, Renato Gaúcho watches Vasco’s win and praises the group: “We showed commitment”

What does Vasco still need to advance directly in the Sudamericana?

The encouraging scenario and sole lead in the cups stand in alarming contrast to the reality currently faced in the Brazilian Championship. The team rested its main starters to prioritize the league campaign, but is stuck in a worrying 13th place with 17 points. The relegation zone is looming over Vasco and is only two points away, as Corinthians sit in 17th place with 15 points.

In recent rounds, coach Renato Gaúcho’s strategy of resting the key players has not brought the desired effect in the standings. The club earned a heroic draw against Flamengo after trailing 2-0, but disappointed fans by losing to the São Paulo side even while playing with one man more for almost the entire second half of the derby.

Offensive performance is encouraging, and backups are making their case

While the main squad has stumbled in the Brasileirão, the alternate team made up of academy youngsters and backups has shined in the Sudamericana. The emphatic 3-0 home wins and the recent comeback victory in Chile proved the immense strength of Vasco’s squad in chasing positive results in the final 45 minutes. Players such as Spinelli and Adson showed great attacking efficiency and are pushing for more minutes in the starting eleven.

The forward reached the top of the team’s scoring charts for the season alongside full-back Puma Rodríguez and is emerging as a more effective attacking option than current starter David. The midfielder has also contributed key assists in the most recent wins and should start Vasco’s next Brazilian Championship match. The team hosts Athletico Paranaense this Sunday at 8:30 p.m. at São Januário, urgently needing all three points.

Spinelli celebrates a goal for Vasco – Photo: Elvis González/EFE

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.